Methods and Devices, Including Stoppers Comprising an Internal Recess with Particular Hydrophilicity Characteristics, for Limiting Air Ingestion During Sample Extraction

Abstract

The present invention relates to methods and devices for air ingestion prevention. The invention provides a stopper or plug with one or more conduits and a recess that prevents air ingestion during outlet of a liquid from a liquid container covered with the stopper.

1 . A stopper for a container for liquids comprising:
 a) a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises a recessed area that is hydrophilic or hydrophobic; and   b) a first conduit that extends from said top surface to said recessed area.   
   
   
       2 . The stopper of  claim 1 , wherein said first conduit is configured for a outlet rate of at least 0.01 μl per second. 
   
   
       3 . The stopper of  claim 1 , wherein said recessed area is at least 25% length of the stopper diameter. 
   
   
       4 . The stopper of  claim 1 , further comprising an orientation-maintaining feature located on said top surface. 
   
   
       5 . The stopper of  claim 4 , wherein said orientation-maintaining feature maintains said recessed area in a vertical position when placed on a flat surface. 
   
   
       6 . The stopper of  claim 1 , further comprising an air-tight seal. 
   
   
       7 . The stopper of  claim 1 , further comprising a second conduit that extends from said top surface to said bottom surface. 
   
   
       8 . The stopper of  claim 7 , wherein said second conduit extends to an area of said bottom surface not within said recessed area. 
   
   
       9 . The stopper of  claim 7 , wherein said second conduit is connected to a pump. 
   
   
       10 . The stopper of  claim 7 , wherein a gas enters said container through said second conduit. 
   
   
       11 . (canceled) 
   
   
       12 . The stopper of  claim 1 , wherein said first conduit comprises an interior surface which is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. 
   
   
       13 . The stopper of  claim 1 , further comprising a tube fluidly connected with said first conduit, wherein said tube does not extend into said container further than said recessed area. 
   
   
       14 . The stopper of  claim 1 , wherein said first conduit is proximal to the periphery of the stopper. 
   
   
       15 . The stopper of  claim 1 , wherein said first conduit is connected to a vacuum. 
   
   
       16 . A method of withdrawing a sample from a sample container comprising the steps of:
 a) placing a stopper in said sample container comprising:
 i) a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises a recessed area that is hydrophilic or hydrophobic; and 
 ii) a first conduit that extends from said top surface to said recessed area; and 
   b) limiting access of air into said first conduit in said stopper by maintaining liquid at said first conduit on said bottom surface.   
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said limiting step is enhanced by hydrophilic or hydrophobic attraction between said recessed area and said liquid. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein said stopper further comprises a second conduit that extends from said top surface to said bottom surface. 
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18 , wherein a gas is inserted through said second conduit. 
   
   
       20 - 27 . (canceled) 
   
   
       28 . A method of withdrawing a sample from a sample container comprising the steps of:
 a) placing a stopper in said sample container comprising:
 i) a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said bottom surface comprises a recessed area that is hydrophilic or hydrophobic; 
 ii) a first conduit that extends from said top surface to said recessed area; and 
   b) placing said sample container on a rocker, wherein said rocker is capable of causing at least a portion of said sample to be drawn away from said stopper by gravity; and   c) limiting access of air into said first conduit in said stopper by maintaining liquid at said first conduit on said bottom surface.   
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein said limiting step is enhanced by hydrophilic or hydrophobic attraction between said recessed area and said liquid. 
   
   
       30 - 40 . (canceled)